HOSPITAL chiefs in Nuneaton say they have been "overwhelmed" by the level of interest from people keen to have their say on George Eliot Hospital's bid for foundation trust status.

The public consultation period has now come to an end following nine public meetings held across Nuneaton, Bedworth, Hinckley, Atherstone, Polesworth, Coleshill, Burbage and Market Bosworth - plus 44 other meetings with staff and local organisations.

Sharon Beamish, chief executive of George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, said: "We have been overwhelmed by the level of support and interest and I would like to thank the local people and our staff for taking the time to share their views with us."

She said the greater public accountability brought by Foundation Trust status meant that patients, public, staff and partner organisations could get directly involved in shaping its future.

More than 130 consultation feedback responses have been received and staff will now be working to analyse the results for a board meeting on Thursday, June 12.

People are still invited to become members of the George Eliot NHS Foundation Trust. It's voluntary, free and open to local residents and trust staff, as well as people who have been patients, or carers of a patient, in the past two years.

For more information about becoming a member, log on to www.geh.nhs.uk/ ftrust_members.asp